Pioneering process will take firm into Europe

Nov 27 2008 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

A NEW invention which removes potentially harmful chemical waste from manufacturing processes is expected to help double revenue at a County Durham firm and take it marching into Europe.

Integrated Effluent Solutions (IES), of Spennymoor, has invested £140,000 in developing a chemical process which uses hypersonic vibrations to separate the sulphate from the waste water and has already been royally recommended.

The process is expected to help the business double annual revenue to £2m by next year and will be used by the Royal Mint to remove sulphates in their drainage system created during the finishing of copper and nickel-plated coins.

The company is also planning to expand into Europe on the back of the new technology after receiving inquiries from Spain, Romania and Germany.

The pioneering process was developed with the support of a £74,000 research and development grant from regional development agency One North East. IES managing director Andy Dargue – who is also a chemist and devised the new process – said: “This chemical process helps companies meet ever-tighter environmental controls as well as negating the impact potentially harmful sulphates can have if they leak into the drainage system.

“It also has the added benefit of producing a waste product that can be recycled into building materials such as cement and concrete, so not only will the waste water be made safer, the businesses will save on transport and landfill costs and also significantly reduce its impact on the environment.”

The Royal Mint, which produces 40% of the world’s coinage, is an existing client of IES and has already completed successful trials of the new process.

IES was created five years ago by Mr Dargue and his business partner Phil Grainger. The firm employs five people from its base in Spennymoor’s Enterprise City and, according to Mr Dargue, is likely to create new jobs next year as the new process takes off. One North East’s business finance specialist adviser Gary Roe said: “This project ticks numerous boxes in that it supports a successful new company as it expands its operation, helps companies using the process to save money and has a positive impact on the environment.

“Andy [Dargue] is extremely passionate about what he does and that has been demonstrated in his desire and determination to see this project through to fruition. I am delighted that we have been able to offer our support to this fantastic project.”